Malaysia said today it will retain a maximum fine of RM20,000 for failure to carry an identity card, despite public outrage over the stiff penalty.

Home Minister Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said the government would abolish the minimum penalty of RM3,000 (US$821) for not carrying the chip-based MyKad, but keep the maximum of RM20,000 and three months in jail.

He said the government would amend legislation to abolish the minimum penalty and leave it to the courts to decide on the fine, the state Bernama news agency said.

"Perhaps, based on the facts of the case, the penalty can be reduced, the fine may be only RM10, it's up to the courts' discretion," he was quoted as saying.

The National Registration Department, which issues MyKads, sparked outrage last week when it warned Malaysians they faced the fines for not carrying the cards, which can contain passport information and other details.

Illegal immigrants problem

Radzi, also under fire for proposing a steep increase in fines for losing the card, argued the penalties were necessary to help authorities filter out illegal immigrants.

"This has become increasingly necessary now that the country is facing the problem of influx of illegal immigrants and other problems like too many drug addicts," he said, without elaborating.

Malaysians, many of whom say they do not carry MyKads for fear of theft, have labelled the fines as excessive.

The president of the Consumers Association of Penang, SM Idris, said the penalty for not carrying a MyKad card was ridiculous, according to the Star newspaper today.

"You don't expect farmers and fishermen to be carrying their MyKad when they go down to the field or sea," he was quoted as saying.